Oklahoma Tornado: More Out-of-State CU Contributions for Moore

Credit unions and foundations across the country continue to rally behind the credit unions, their employees, members and families who have been affected by the tornado disaster that struck the city of Moore, Okla., earlier this week.

The Ohio Credit Union Foundation has contributed $5,000 to aid tornado victims and the $881 million Meritrust Credit Union in Wichita, Kan., is making a $10,000 donation as well as delivering supplies for tornado victims.

“We know the need by our credit unions friends in Oklahoma is great,” said Stan Barnes, chair of the OCUF board of trustees. “The images from the scene are heartbreaking. It is the hope of the foundation that this contribution can help with the recovery process, and assist with the immediate needs of credit union members and staff impacted by this tragedy.”

Meritrust said it is making a corporate donation of $10,000 to the Oklahoma Credit Union Foundation.

“Standing back and not helping our neighbors who are suffering in Oklahoma was not an option,” said James Nastars, president/CEO of Meritrust. “It’s times like these when we all need to rally together. These donations from our members, staff and board of directors are coupled with our thoughts and prayers.”

What’s more, Meritrust’s Wichita-area branches also opened their doors as donation sites for supplies including water, baby formula, diapers, wet wipes, non-perishable food, pet food, paper towels, blankets, flashlights and batteries. These donated items will be delivered today to the Oklahoma City where they will be distributed to those affected by the storm.

Additionally, the Meritrust branches in Lawrence delivered 100 cases of water to the Lawrence Board of Realtors, which will be driving two large trucks filled with supplies to Oklahoma on Friday. The Meritrust branch in Junction City teamed up with local bakery, SweetCakes Cupcake Bakery, by donating diapers, wipes and baby formula, which the bakery will take down to Oklahoma on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the $2.2 billion Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, Calif., said it is accepting contributions to the American Red Cross Relief Fund to assist tornado victims. All 18 RCU branch locations have been designated as collection sites for donations from members and the community.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster,” said Brett Martinez, RCU’s president/ CEO. “Supporting the American Red Cross efforts by accepting contributions at our branch locations is our way of offering assistance and responding to the requests of members who would like to help.”

Pen Air FCU in Florida and Redstone FCU in Alabama also have announced fundraising efforts